IF A CHILD HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED, WHAT TO DO
If a child has been kidnapped, it is crucial to immediately contact your local law enforcement agency and report the abduction. They will help you file a missing person's report, enter the child's information into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and initiate the search process. Additionally, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) provides a 24-hour hotline at 800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678) to report missing children.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of steps to take:
1. Contact Local Law Enforcement:
Immediately report the abduction to your local police or sheriff's department. They will take the lead in the investigation.
2. File a Missing Person's Report:
Provide law enforcement with as much information as possible about the child, including their name, date of birth, height, weight, and any distinguishing features.
3. Enter Information into NCIC:
Request that law enforcement enter the child's information into the NCIC Missing Persons database.
4. Contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC):
NCMEC offers resources and support to families of missing children. You can contact them at 800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678).
Organizations like Child Find of America and MissingKids.org can also provide assistance and support.
6. If Abduction Occurs Abroad:
If the abduction involves international travel, contact the U.S. Department of State's Office of Children's Issues for assistance.
Additional Tips:
Be prepared to provide information: Have photos of the child, their last known whereabouts, and any other relevant details readily available.
Stay calm and cooperate with law enforcement: They are there to help, and your cooperation will speed up the process.
Seek emotional support: Abduction can be a traumatic experience. Reach out to family, friends, or mental health professionals for support.
REPORT CHILD TRAFFICKING NOW!
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to:
GET HELP: and connect with a service provider in your area;
REPORT A TIP: with information on potential human trafficking activity; or
LEARN MORE: by requesting training, technical assistance, or resources.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a national, toll-free hotline available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. The Hotline is not a law enforcement or immigration authority and is operated by a nongovernmental organization funded by the Federal government.
Call federal law enforcement directly to report suspected human trafficking activity and get help:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security at 1-866-347-2423 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, or submit a tip online at www.ice.gov/tips . Individuals across the world can report suspicious criminal activity to the U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tip Line. The Tip Line is accessible internationally by calling 1-802-872-6199. Highly trained specialists take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies on more than 400 laws enforced by ICE HSI, including those related to human trafficking.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) partner to combat human trafficking. If you suspect a child is involved in trafficking, you can submit a tip through NCMEC's CyberTipline or call 1-800-THE-LOST.
FBI can also be contacted by submitting a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov/ , or call your local FBI office (you can get their number at https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/field-offices
The State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) investigates visa and passport fraud. Human trafficking often include visa fraud. As a result, DSS works with its U.S. and international law enforcement partners to investigate these crimes. Additionally, DSS leads on the investigation of trafficking cases when they involve diplomats. To submit a tip, please email TraffickingTips@state.gov.
